MUNCIE – Ball State football coach Pete Lembo opened his Tuesday press conference with a level of frankness.

It's almost to be expected days after losing to Indiana State from the FCS, probably the worst loss in his four-season tenure. As he reviewed what happened, terms like "glaring mistakes" and "not executing at a high enough level or consistent enough level," were dropped, reflective of the fallout of that sort of loss.

"The key for us is to continue to challenge our guys to play smart, reliable, mistake-free type football," Lembo said at the podium. "That's something that we've taken a lot of pride in doing here in the past, and just a strong appreciation for not beating ourselves.

He said the message and approach remain the same for his teams, and perhaps that can get back on track in some way.

His team will need all that as it opens Mid-American Conference play with a powerful Toledo team. This year's Rockets are loaded with explosive playmakers at receiver and in the backfield, and boast a good, all-senior offensive line. They lost their starting quarterback and didn't skip a beat, displaying a perpetually multi-faceted offense.

On defense, Toledo has a lot of pieces, especially at the front seven, but a rash of injuries at cornerback have caused problems in the secondary. The Cardinals won the last two meetings in the series, both on late drives led by now-graduated quarterback Keith Wenning.

"Top to bottom, (we're) obviously going up against one of the better programs in the league this week, and a team that I think is built to compete for championships every year," Lembo said.

UT quarterback has a presence

Much like the Cardinals, the Rockets are working in a young quarterback, albeit because of injury. The difference is the way Logan Woodside has almost seamlessly stepped in and executed with the load of skill talent around him.

“He's got the 'it' factor. He's got the mojo, the savvy that you want from a guy stepping into that role.”

Pete Lembo

The true sophomore had to make an emergency start last season, and was on-point in a shootout loss at Cincinnati last Friday. Just watching him on film, he has a kind of poise, a command of everything in front of him.

"He's got the 'it' factor," Lembo said. "He's got the mojo, the savvy that you want from a guy stepping into that role.

"He's got that presence about him."

Finding footing

On the Ball State side, questions swirl outside the program about starter Ozzie Mann, but those are not being felt inside the building. After a workmanlike opener, Mann played a conservative game in his start at Iowa and then struggled against Indiana State (24-for-46 passing).

"The only way I know is to try to keep bringing him along in practice and to hope that with every game situation he's in that he can build on those experiences," Lembo said. "When his footwork is good, he looks pretty darn good executing. And there are some other times where I don't think his footwork has been consistent."

When asked point blank if there was any consideration toward playing another quarterback, Lembo was equally straightforward.

"Haven't given that any thought," He said.

Injury update –

Lembo said wide receivers Shane Bell and Jordan Williams, both listed as questionable, will likely not practice Tuesday. Their absence has forced shuffling all along the receiving group.

The coach did say offensive tackle Steve Bell showed no ill effects from getting his leg rolled up on against the Sycamores. Tackle Drake Miller was also listed as questionable after missing the opening three games.